Self-published author becomes a million seller on the Kindle

NEW YORK — A self-published author has joined James Patterson, Stieg Larsson and others as a million seller on the Kindle.

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A self-published author has joined James Patterson, Stieg Larsson and others as a million seller on the Kindle.

Amazon.com announced Monday that thriller writer John Locke, whose books are released through the online retailer's Kindle Direct Publishing, has sold just over 1 million e-books, many of them priced at 99 cents. His novels include "Vegas Moon," "Wish List" and "A Girl Like You." His latest work is an advice book he was well-qualified to write: "How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months."

Another self-published e-book sensation, Amanda Hocking, signed a six-figure deal earlier this year with St. Martin's Press. But Locke says he wants to remain independent.

"It just wouldn't be fun for me'" Locke wrote Monday in an e-mail message to The Associated Press. "I like the idea of being able to walk away from writing if it stops being fun."

Locke does have a literary agent, Jane Dystel, and said she is working on movie and TV and audio rights.

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